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7 ways to make the most of your trip to Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital city is vibrant. On any visit to Lisbon, you can expect plenty of sun and stellar sights, and still not as many tourists as Europe’s other big cities. Like Rome, for instance, Lisbon, too, has seven hills, a historic centre that’s been preserved very well, warm weather, and friendly locals. Yet, the city hasn’t climbed to the top of the tourism ladder just yet, which is good, because that means you still get to see it all without jostling for space with other visitors.

What should you do there, you ask? Portugal, as is well known, was one of the world’s richest colonial powers. And Lisbon, the capital of this erstwhile power, brims with fine churches and palaces – icons of the wealth that was gathered back then. You’ll see this when you walk through the Belém District. But don’t just seek out the grand monuments, spend time in the charming neighbourhoods of Alfama and the Bairro Alto as well. Walk in the streets, sip on a glass of wine, and wind down the day with the soothing sounds of a gentle fado. We’ve got the low-down on the best ways to soak in this historic city listed below.

It’s best to plan ahead, of course. Make sure to check local websites and stay up to date with the city’s events calendar so you don’t miss out on the big highlights. Lisbon can get very hot and crowded in the summer, though the heat is not as oppressive as elsewhere in the Mediterranean. June is a good month for festivals in the city – be sure to catch the street parties for the Festas dos Santos Populares in Alfama.

For atmosphere, head to Alfama

Photograph: sean pavone/123RF

Alfama comprises a steep maze of streets. Stay wise, save yourself a workout and start from the top – your legs will thank you. Begin your exploration at the scenic Miradouro de Santa Luzia viewpoint on the top of a hill. Then slowly make your way down to the river, passing eateries and tiny grocery stores along the way. This is a lively and close-knit part of the city, away from the grit and glamour of the touristy side.

Get a shot of history in the Belém District

Photograph: Ina van Hateren/123RF

When the great Portuguese explorers of yore set sail to explore the world, they took off from this stately port of Belém. The wealth they brought back from their voyages went, fittingly, into the construction of Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém – an ornate monastery and guard tower – both now on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Across from the monastery is the Discoveries Monument, a landmark icon that represents a ship on the verge of departure, with engravings of explorers like Vasco da Gama and Magellan as well as a host of other crusaders, monks, and even poets, on its facade. Inside is an exhibition space – check to see what’s on when you visit.

Admire art at the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Photograph: manganganath/123RF

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s lesser-known magnificent treasures. With a vast and varied collection of art and historical artefacts, you’ll learn about everything from ancient Egyptian culture to Art Nouveau paintings. Go on a guided tour of the museum’s founder Calouste Gulbenkian’s collection, which holds key pieces of Greco-Roman, Islamic and Oriental art as well as old coins and European paintings. You’ll learn that Gulbenkian was passionate about art, collecting around 6,000 majestic works from across the world. He had high hopes of putting at least a part of his collection on display in London, but unfortunately, his plans didn’t see the light until much later, after his death, in this museum in Lisbon.

Party into the night in the Bairro Alto

Photograph: Greta Gabaglio/123RF

Wind down your day in Lisbon’s bohemian district. Bairro Alto (high quarter) is full of bespoke boutiques, record shops and jazz bars. Make like the locals and visit one of the hole-in-the-wall joints here to sip on the local cherry liqueur, Ginja. There are bars in this neighbourhood that stay open into the wee hours, which means you could spend all night sipping on ice-cold beer on a cobble-stoned street, making new friends – the possibilites are endless.

For photo-ops, head to the Castelo de São Jorge

Photograph: Karol Kozlowski/123RF

The Castelo de São Jorge, which was built in the 5th century and then used as a royal residence and prison, tells Lisbon’s story in its high stone walls. Opt for a guided tour when you visit to see the archaeological remains of the castle. You’ll learn about the significant periods in Lisbon’s history. Today, the courtyards are filled with trees, but it’s the battlements that hold the best city views – go there to come away with those panoramic desktop-wallpaper-worthy photos.

Dig into delicious local cuisine

Photograph: homy_design/123RF

Pastéis de nata, or custard tarts, are some of Portugal’s sweetest gifts to the world. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss the custard tarts at Confeitaria Nacional, which has been open for over 185 years. Besides pastéis de nata, the confectionary also dishes out an array of other sweet treats.

Listen to soulful fado music

Photograph: Dmytro Surkov/123RF

You can’t visit Lisbon and not acquaint yourself with the melancholic folk tunes of fado. This genre, which embodies a sense of longing – as you’ll see – is said to have originated in this part of the world. Today, there are various fado clubs at which you can tune in to these sounds. Try Mesa de Frades, a tiny, old-fashioned spot, that is decorated with tiled murals and serves hearty traditional meals. Make sure to book ahead, when you go.